The Decline of Fertilizer Use in Europe: Policy, Markets, and the Shift to Sustainability

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Knowledge graph visualization for this blog was generated using InfraNodus, which mapped thematic clusters such as ”fertilizer”, ”nutrient”, ”agriculture”, and ”regulation” from EU forecast reports.

Fertilizers have long been essential for European agriculture, ensuring high yields and supporting food security. However, recent forecasts from Fertilizers Europe predict a steady decline in fertilizer use across the European Union (EU). This shift is influenced by evolving environmental policies, market conditions, and agricultural practices. Analyzing the Forecast of Food, Farming, and Fertilizer Use in the European Union reports from 2017 to 2031 reveals the multiple drivers behind this downward trend.

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Green Innovation at the Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources, and Environment, Beijing

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Text and Photo: CM Cordeiro, EB Sindhøj © 2024

Nestled in the bustling city of Beijing is a beacon of agricultural innovation—the Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources, and Environment, part of the prestigious Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences (BAAFS). During my recent visit, I discovered how this remarkable institution is shaping the future of sustainable agriculture, addressing challenges ranging from resource management to environmental conservation.

About the Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences

Founded in 1958, the Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences (BAAFS) has grown into a world-class research institution. With 1,230 employees, including 574 with senior professional titles and 558 with doctoral degrees, the academy is home to an impressive roster of talent. This includes one academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, five Beijing Scholars, and several nationally recognized young scholars. The academy encompasses 15 institutes and centers, covering agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery. Its disciplines of ”Plant and Animal Science,” ”Agricultural Science,” and ”Environment and Ecology” have been ranked among the top 1% globally by the Essential Science Indicators (ESI).

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Advancing Circular Nutrient Recycling: CiNURGi’s Progress in the Baltic Sea Region

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Text and Photo: CM Cordeiro, Centrum Balticum © 2024

As part of our commitment to sustainability and innovation, we’re excited to share updates from CiNURGi, a collaborative project aimed at advancing circular nutrient recycling solutions across the Baltic Sea Region (BSR). Led by RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, CiNURGi brings together 24 partners and 13 associated organizations across eight BSR countries to tackle nutrient management challenges while supporting regional and European sustainability goals. Read more on our first external newsletter here.

Key Highlights from Our First Year
Participation in the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2024

At the EUSBSR Annual Forum in Visby, Sweden, CiNURGi engaged policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders in discussions on nutrient recycling, reducing nutrient runoff, and creating market conditions for circular economy solutions. The project emphasized alignment with the EUSBSR Policy Area Nutri goals and contributed to dialogues shaping sustainable regional development. Continue reading ”Advancing Circular Nutrient Recycling: CiNURGi’s Progress in the Baltic Sea Region” →

Biowaste Management in Europe: Comparative Insights from Finland, France, and Italy

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The EU Policy Framework for Biowaste Management

Biowaste management is a key element of the European Union’s sustainability agenda, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improving resource efficiency, and transitioning to a circular economy. The EU Green Paper on Biowaste Management [1] outlines three central goals for member states: separate collection, landfill diversion, and biological treatment. These objectives address the dual challenges of managing waste sustainably and protecting the environment.

Separate collection is essential for the high-quality processing of biowaste into compost and biogas, enabling its use in agriculture and renewable energy generation [2]. However, effective implementation requires substantial public engagement and infrastructure investment. Landfill diversion focuses on mitigating methane emissions from decomposing organic waste, which contribute significantly to climate change. The EU Waste Framework Directive mandates the progressive reduction of biodegradable waste in landfills, promoting alternative treatment methods. Biological treatment, including anaerobic digestion (AD) and composting, facilitates nutrient recycling and renewable energy production, supporting the EU’s circular economy objectives.

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CiNURGi Seminar Highlights Key Discussions on Nutrient Cycling, Field Visit to HSY, and Resource Recovery

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A screencapture from LinkedIn from the EU Interreg BSR core project CiNURGi open webinar held on 18 Nov. 2024. 60 participants signed up for this event.
Text & Photo © CM Cordeiro & , E Sindhöj 2024



The recent CiNURGi open seminar at HELCOM – Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, held on 18 November 2024, was a focal point for advancing nutrient cycling and resource recovery in the Baltic Sea Region. Part of a broader project meeting spanning three days in Helsinki, the event featured expert discussions, pilot project updates, and an insightful field study visit to Helsinki Region Environmental Services (HSY). Together, these activities showcased innovative approaches to sustainable waste and nutrient management.

Advancing Pilot Projects for Nutrient Utilization

During the seminar, CiNURGi leaders Erik Sindhöj and Cheryl Marie Cordeiro presented updates on pilot projects that address pressing challenges in biogas and nutrient utilization. These include advanced technologies for improving nutrient efficiency in digestate application, such as acidification techniques and weather-adaptive irrigation systems. The team also highlighted progress in urine separation and drying systems, which are currently being tested in Stockholm housing associations and the sports arena in Uppsala.

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Mission Soil Week 2024: Collaborative Solutions for Soil Health and Climate Adaptation

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At the EU Mission Soil Week 2024, Brussels, Belgium.
Text & Photo © CM Cordeiro 2024



European Mission Soil Week 2024 brought together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to address the critical challenges of soil health, climate resilience, and sustainable land management. With 60–70% of EU soils classified as unhealthy, the event underscored the urgent need for innovative and collaborative approaches to reverse degradation trends and ensure a sustainable future. Continue reading ”Mission Soil Week 2024: Collaborative Solutions for Soil Health and Climate Adaptation” →

Visby: Bridging Heritage and Sustainability in the Baltic Sea Region

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At the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2024, Visby, Gotland, Sweden.
Text & Photo © CM Cordeiro & , E Sindhöj 2024

Visby, the historically rich capital of Gotland, Sweden, stands as a remarkable example of how heritage and sustainability can be harmoniously integrated [1]. My recent visit to attend the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2024 provided an opportunity not only to engage with leading experts on regional sustainability but also to observe firsthand how Visby balances its medieval heritage with contemporary environmental practices. This reflection captures the multifaceted approaches of Visby and Gotland to managing tourism, conserving biodiversity, and addressing water resilience.

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Situating the discourse of recycled nutrient fertilizers in circular economy principles for sustainable agriculture

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The article explores the multifaceted discourse surrounding recycled nutrient fertilizers (RNFs), examining their technological, environmental, economic, and policy-related dimensions. It highlights how stakeholders’ perceptions and the influence of public and farmer acceptance shape the adoption of RNFs, alongside the critical impact of regulatory and policy frameworks on their implementation.

Citation: Cordeiro CM and Sindhøj E (2024) Situating the discourse of recycled nutrient fertilizers in circular economy principles for sustainable agriculture. Front. Sustain. 5:1465752. doi: 10.3389/frsus.2024.1465752